The Chianti Classico region annually unveils its newest wine selections, a diverse collection featuring various vintages rather than a singular, uniform year. This practice is influenced by regulatory requirements, such as the extended aging mandates for Chianti Classico Riserva and Gran Selezione, as well as individual winery decisions to mature their wines for longer periods before market release. This year, attention is drawn to the recently bottled 2023 annata, the foundational tier of Chianti Classico, alongside a discussion of several late releases from 2025. This overview will delve into the characteristics of the 2023 vintage, highlighting the resilience of producers in the face of challenging weather conditions and showcasing some of the most notable wines to emerge from this dynamic region.

The 2023 growing season presented a unique set of meteorological hurdles for Chianti Classico producers. An unusually wet spring, marked by high humidity, led to widespread outbreaks of downy mildew. Despite a subsequent hot and arid summer with persistent elevated temperatures extending into harvest, the vintage, rated 3.5 out of 5, has yielded vibrant and expressive wines suitable for immediate enjoyment. Several esteemed estates, including Tregole, Querciola, and Castello di Ama, faced significant peronospora impacts, with some opting to produce only one Chianti Classico bottling in 2023. Noteworthy examples of success include Poggerino, which prioritized its annata wine over a Riserva, and the commendable efforts of Castello di Monsanto and Fèlsina.

Reflecting on the 2022 late releases, these wines maintain the inherent appeal of the annata category while exhibiting enhanced structure and greater longevity, projecting a drinking window of five to seven years. The tannins in these wines are distinctively dry and powdery, offering a textural experience that contrasts with softer, velvety profiles. Wines from producers such as Tenuta di Carleone and Rocca di Montegrossi exemplify the freshness and vibrancy that characterized the 2022 vintage. Estates like Le Miccine have demonstrated innovation by removing Colorino from their 2022 vintage, focusing solely on Sangiovese, a strategy aimed at preserving bright acidity in a warming climate. Similarly, Tenuta di Casanuova is investing in north-facing parcels and replanting with Canaiolo Nero to adapt to climate shifts, seeking to achieve gentle structures that complement Sangiovese. These strategic adaptations underscore a forward-thinking approach to viticulture in the region.

The 2023 vintage proved to be a test of skill and fortune for winemakers. Angelo Fronti of Istine remarked on the dual challenge and opportunity presented by the year. Following a dry spell, early April brought relief with cooling temperatures and much-needed rain, alleviating drought concerns. However, May and June ushered in tropical-like conditions, fostering the rapid spread of peronospora. While producers are well-versed in managing powdery mildew, downy mildew posed a significant challenge due to its less common occurrence in Chianti Classico's typically dry climate. Jurij Fiore lamented a 50% grape loss despite diligent spraying, highlighting the severity of the outbreak. Michele Braganti of Monteraponi observed that organic producers were particularly affected, but also noted the limited efficacy of even conventional treatments once infection took hold.

Adding to the difficulties, the temperamental spring of 2023 also brought localized hailstorms. Monica Raspi of Pomona estimated a 30-40% hail damage, compounded by ongoing peronospora issues. Gabriele Buondonno experienced severe hail, decimating 80% of one vineyard in just 30 minutes, followed by another storm two weeks later. By July, dry and clement weather finally arrived, aligning with the region’s typical climatic patterns. Maddalena Fucile of Ciglieno di Sopra noted the absence of extreme heat, ensuring effective management of water and heat stress. However, by late August, temperatures soared to 40°C, leading to a slowdown in grape maturation, as observed by Cosimo Casini of Tenuta Casanuova. Despite these challenges, above-average temperatures persisted through September and harvest, which primarily occurred between September 20th and October 10th. Careful grape sorting was essential, but Conte confirmed that the harvested grapes, though reduced in quantity, were healthy.

For the 2023 vintage, the primary concern is quantity rather than quality. The consorzio reported a total production of 200,000hl, representing a 22-30% decrease compared to the decade's average. Individual losses varied dramatically, with Monte Bernardi reporting an 80% reduction, while Le Cinciole estimated a more modest 10-15% shortfall. Despite these reductions, the overall quality of the wines remains high. The wines are characterized by their clean, lively, and exuberant profiles, often exhibiting a subtle Sangiovese tartness that many enthusiasts appreciate. While some wines showed a richer, more candied or confected character, they largely avoided over-ripeness, stewed notes, or excessive alcohol. The 2023 vintage promises to deliver significant pleasure over the next four to five years, offering a remarkably accessible drinking window for annata wines.